The Riigikogu passed an Act
At the last regular plenary sitting of the spring session, the Riigikogu passed an Act concerning the prevention of trafficking in human beings and the protection of victims.
The Act on Amendments to the Penal Code and the Victim Support Act (amendments related to the transposition of the revised version of the Directive on Trafficking in Human Beings) (880 SE), initiated by the Government, is intended to enhance the prevention of trafficking in human beings and the protection of victims and to bring Estonian law into line with the European Union’s Directive on Trafficking in Human Beings.
Among other things, the directive specifies the liability of legal persons, improves data collection, and strengthens cooperation and coordination at both the national and EU levels. Systems are also being developed that help to identify victims of trafficking in human beings at an early stage and provide them with the necessary assistance.
The Act will include surrogacy against a woman’s will and illegal adoption to the necessary elements of trafficking in human beings in the Penal Code. Also, the use of a service will become punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment if the user knows that the person providing the service is a victim of trafficking in human beings. In this regard, the standard duty of care will apply.
Evelin Poolamets from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Lea Danilson-Järg from Isamaa Parliamentary Group took the floor during the debate.
39 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and three voted against.
One draft Resolution was dropped from legislative proceedings
Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a proposal to the Government of the Republic to develop a comprehensive package of measures to restore confidence among families with children and stop the birth rate crisis” (870 OE), submitted by Isamaa Parliamentary Group, proposed that the Government develop such a comprehensive package of measures. To this end, it is proposed that the Government submit bills aimed at restoring confidence among families, addressing various factors affecting family formation and childbirth, including families’ economic security, housing policy, education, health, etc. In developing the package of measures, it is proposed that the Government rely on recommendations made by researchers and on the analysis prepared by the Ministry of Social Affairs, ‘Supporting Having and Raising Children: Analysis and Proposals’, while taking a comprehensive approach to all issues and challenges identified in the analysis.
Riina Sikkut from the Social Democratic Party Group, Vadim Belobrovtsev from the Centre Party Group and Signe Riisalo from the Reform Party Parliamentary Group took the floor during the debate. Henn Põlluaas presented comments on behalf of Isamaa Parliamentary Group.
19 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the draft Resolution. The draft Resolution dropped from the legislative proceedings as a majority vote of the members of the Riigikogu was needed for the Resolution to be passed.
Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)
Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.
Riigikogu Press Service
Maiki Vaikla
+372 631 6456, +372 5666 9508
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